Looking for a used car, any suggestions?...Update Post #14

[Kevinicus]

I'm trying to find a used car as a second vehicle. I want to cut back on the miles I'm driving in my current vehicle. Also this will be used for my wife to learn to drive and eventually take as her car.

We want something that has some size, but not a lot, so we're looking at compact SUVs and large Hatchbacks/Wagons.

Anybody have any suggestions? We're trying to keep it under $10,000 and under 100k miles.

 

[Jon88]

Toyota Camry

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I'm trying to find a used car as a second vehicle. I want to cut back on the miles I'm driving in my current vehicle. Also this will be used for my wife to learn to drive and eventually take as her car.

We want something that has some size, but not a lot, so we're looking at compact SUVs and large Hatchbacks/Wagons.

Anybody have any suggestions? We're trying to keep it under $10,000 and under 100k miles.

So when does she turn 16?

 

[Jon88]

So when does she turn 16?

:laugh2:

 

[Eskimo]

It is hard to narrow things down more without more preferences. I would suggest the following vehicles as they are reliable, not too horrific on fuel and safe. If you go the SUV route, make sure you get stability control as they have a high center of gravity and can tip with overly aggressive handling. This risk is decreased with electronic stability control. From this list, it isn't available on the Forester but it is more of a wagon. I am not sure about the Escape as Ford came to the stability control party a bit late.

2006 Subaru Forrester (wagon)
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (mid-size SUV)
2006 Toyota RAV4 (large compact SUV)
2006 Honda CR-V (compact SUV)
2007 Ford Escape (compact SUV)

 

[Gzus]

2006 Honda CR-V (compact SUV)
2007 Ford Escape (compact SUV)

I'd back these two. You can't go wrong with a Honda, they're great cars. I personally have a Honda, not a CR-V, so I'm slightly biased in favor of the brand. This is our second Honda, and the first one lasted 10 years. And I liked the Escape cause I like the feel of the drive. Personally I'd say a Toyota is nice too b/c of their long term track record, but the recent string of recalls has me worried. We have 3 Toyotas.....

 

[dcdallaschick]

We bought our first Subaru (Forester) last August, and I'd totally recommend. It's a great small SUV.

 

[Jon88]

We bought our first Subaru (Forester) last August, and I'd totally recommend. It's a great small SUV.

They just look wierd.

 

[CliffnDallas]

Mercury Sable.

 

[Kevinicus]

The CR-V would be my first choice, but it's probably more difficult than most to find in my price range. I had found one that looked good but when I checked the VIN it appeared to have the mileage rolled back.

I've thought about the Escape as well, but I'm leary of Ford (plus the interior is very ugly).

Bob...why do you ask? Isn't 16 a bit too mature for you?

 

[Bob Sacamano]

The CR-V would be my first choice, but it's probably more difficult than most to find in my price range. I had found one that looked good but when I checked the VIN it appeared to have the mileage rolled back.

I've thought about the Escape as well, but I'm leary of Ford (plus the interior is very ugly).

Bob...why do you ask? Isn't 16 a bit too mature for you?

I don't mess with other dude's wives, man.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Two words:

1. Honda
2. Accord

you can go back as far as 1994 and get quality. 100,000 miles is like new with those cars.

I have had two and bought one for my daughter.

 

[tomson75]

Honestly, if you could live with gas mileage in the range of 17-18, I'd take a hard look at a '00-'02 Jeep Cherokee with a 4.0L. They have a good amount of space, have all the major necessities, are easy to customize (stereo, suspension, cosmetic), have cheap parts, and are shade-tree mechanic friendly. The 4.0L is a terrific powerplant, and if taken care of properly, should get you well over 250K. They drive easy, tow well, are fairly comfortable on trips, and are extremely versatile....and IMO have a clean look. They're terrific vehicles, despite the reputation of their big brothers, the Grand Cherokee (garbage).

They're an older model, but IMO are MUCH better vehicles than the majority of the mid-sized sport utilities made in the last 5 years or so...including the POSs that Jeep has made to try and replace them. You can still find them with fewer than 100K, and like I said earlier...if you can find one with a clean mechanical history at this point, you likely have a vehicle that will last you another 100K or so.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Kevinicus]

I looked at Accords, my first car was an 87, my mother has had 2 Accords until she got her Odyssey for all the grandkids. I even test drove one, but it had some issues. Most Accords at a decent price seemed to be closer to 200k than 100k in miles.

Yesterday I ended up getting a 2006 CR-V LX with 95,500 miles on it for $10,250. According to edmunds.com it has a market value of over $11,000 from a private party and over $12,000 from a dealership (which is where I got it). It had been priced over $13,000 but was just reduced recently and I got them to reduce it more. After putting around $3,000 down and financing for 3 years it'll be a little over $200 a month, which is easily managed.

I figure it should last me a good 6-7 years if not more, and it will help me to not rack up the miles on my Challenger.

 

[Signals]

Make a few choices and then weigh your final decision against what Consumer Reports.org has the say about your choices.

 

[Eskimo]

I looked at Accords, my first car was an 87, my mother has had 2 Accords until she got her Odyssey for all the grandkids. I even test drove one, but it had some issues. Most Accords at a decent price seemed to be closer to 200k than 100k in miles.

Yesterday I ended up getting a 2006 CR-V LX with 95,500 miles on it for $10,250. According to edmunds.com it has a market value of over $11,000 from a private party and over $12,000 from a dealership (which is where I got it). It had been priced over $13,000 but was just reduced recently and I got them to reduce it more. After putting around $3,000 down and financing for 3 years it'll be a little over $200 a month, which is easily managed.

I figure it should last me a good 6-7 years if not more, and it will help me to not rack up the miles on my Challenger.

It is a very solid choice and should serve you well for a long time with proper maintenance.

I actually do prefer the previous generation CR-V compared to the new one that came out in 2007 and resembles an egg. The older version also had better functional storage. I do believe the 2006 CR-V has electronic stability control so that should decrease the rollover risk.